MARYADA
Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan is different to other Gurdwaras in that it follow a stricter Maryada. Maryada, literally meaning “to remember death”, is the code of conduct that a Sikh follows, or that a Gurdwara adheres to.
The development of Maryada was complete by the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaaj and has since been kept intact by a number of Sikh institutions including Nirmal Kutia Johla. Therefore the Maryada is also adopted by Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan. The following are some major points of the Maryada:
- Langar is served in Pangat and one must be sat on the floor to receive it. Everyone is equal in the Langar.
- Preparing and serving langar, reading or singing Gurbani within the Darbar, and speaking from the stage can only be performed by Sikhs who have received Amrit (been formally initiated into the Khalsa Panth) and are dressed in Bana.
- When preparing or serving langar, the sewadars mouths must be covered for hygienic purposes.
- To perform any sewa in the Darbar in Langar, one must not have dyed their hair in any way. This is disrespect to ones Kesh.
- An Akhand Paat will commence every Friday regardless of whether one has been booked or not.
- Asking for money for any purpose from the Stage is prohibited. The Khalsa does not hold its hand out before anyone.
- There is no set price for the booking of any service in the Gurdwara. One may donate what they wish. No receipts are issued.
- All sewa is nishkam (without monetary reward)
- Every year at Vaisakhi, and at the Barsi (anniversary of passing) of Sant Baba Harnam Singh Ji, Sant Baba Basant Singh Ji, Sant Baba Gian Singh Ji and Sant Baba Harbhajan Singh Ji, five Akhand Paats will be commenced together.
- When one is receiving langar, they must repeat Satnam Waheguru until a sewadar does a Jaikaara (battle-cry). It is only then that the langar can be eaten.
- When one has finished eating their Langar, they must sit and wait for their dishes to be taken away and their hands to be washed before they leave.
- Sehajdhari Sikhs can perform sewa such as cleaning the building, collecting, washing, and drying the dishes, as well as donating any of the ingredients for the langar.
- To speak from the stage, one must be Amritdhari, and in full Bana. Also, one must not speak ill of any Sadhu-Sant, Samparda or Jatha, nor must they make any demand for money. The Guru-Darbar is for Gurbani Parchar only.
The following is general etiquette for a Gurdwara Sahib:
- Possession of tobacco, alcohol or any other intoxicants within the premises is strictly forbidden.
- When within any part of the Gurdwara, you must keep your head covered at all times.
- Shoes MUST NOT be worn when entering the Darbar Sahib (Where the Guru Granth Sahib is situated) or in the Langar Hall.
- When paying respect to the Guru, you may make a donation by placing (if money) in the Golek (a chest which is in front of the canopy which holds the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.). If the donation is not money then please ask one of the sewadars (helpers) where to place it.
- When within the Darbar Sahib, you should observe silence which includes turning off mobile phones, pagers etc.
- When sitting inside the Darbar Sahib you should sit cross legged, towards the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Women should sit on the left hand side and men on the right side of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. However the latter could vary from Gurdwara to Gurdwara.
- Clapping in admiration to a performance inside the Darbar Sahib is prohibited. Instead, a small donation can be placed in front of the person performed.
- When sitting inside the Darbar Sahib and listening to Gurbani being recited or Kirtan you should not try to speak with the performer
- After eating and washing your hands you should do a small ardas (prayer) to thank God for providing the meal.
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